Israel Moves to Seize Major Roman-Era Archaeological Site in West Bank
Watchdog group Peace Now calls the planned 180-hectare (450 acres) land seizure the largest of its kind, as settler violence continues across the occupied territory.
Israel has announced plans to seize control of a significant portion of the ancient Roman-era archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank, according to a recent government order.
The anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now stated that the intended seizure covers 180 hectares (450 acres), which would make it Israel’s largest confiscation of archaeologically significant land. The Israeli Civil Administration’s order, dated November 12, lists parcels of land it intends to expropriate for the stated purpose of developing the site for tourism.
Palestinian landowners were given only 14 days to file objections to the decision. Sebastia is a site of deep historical and religious significance, believed to be the location of the ancient capital of Samaria and the burial place of John the Baptist.
The announcement coincides with a surge in violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Recent days have seen reports of settlers setting fire to Palestinian property, assaulting civilians, and establishing new illegal outposts, often with the backing of Israeli forces.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teenagers during a raid in the occupied East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Kafr Aqab on Friday.
Source: Al Jazeera
